VMC 7161 BN
VMC 7161 BN jig hooks combine a 60° bend with a Black Nickel finish for casting your own freshwater jig heads. The deep, open bend provides room for deeper-bodied soft plastics, while forged high-carbon steel and a Needle Sharp point combine strength with sharpness for the hookset.
Product sorting
Brands
List of products
Listing controls
The VMC 7161 BN Round Jig 60° is designed for casting your own jig heads for perch, zander and pike fishing with soft plastics. Making your own heads lets you match the hook to the lure’s body and the weight to the fishing conditions. Choose the hook size to suit the bait, then adjust the head weight for the depth, current and retrieve.
French manufacturer VMC combines high-carbon steel, a forged construction and a Needle Sharp point in this series. Forging helps the hook resist opening under load, while the sharp point helps initiate penetration during the hookset. Hook quality matters when casting your own heads: the hook becomes part of the finished jig and carries the load when you play a fish.
Room for deeper-bodied soft plastics – the deep, open bend accommodates a bulkier lure body while leaving clearance for the hook point during a take. After rigging, there must still be space between the lure’s body and the point; this is what allows you to make use of the hook’s shape.
The 60° bend towards the eye helps determine the position of the line attachment within the jig head. Line tension acts through the eye, and its position relative to the centre of gravity affects how the rig tilts during the retrieve. The head’s shape, the resistance of the soft plastic and the direction of pull also influence the action. The hook angle alone does not hold the lure in a fixed position in the water.
Use a jig head mould designed to accept this hook model in the appropriate size. The hook should sit correctly in the mould’s grooves and allow it to close fully. When choosing the size, also check where the point exits the soft plastic: the shank should support the lure without unnecessarily restricting its flexible rear section.
BN stands for Black Nickel, a dark finish suited to freshwater jig fishing. For regular saltwater use, the tin-plated VMC 6198 TI provides a saltwater equivalent in the same hook size, using a mould that supports both models. Casting your own jig heads therefore lets you choose the hook finish as well as the head weight and hook size to suit your fishing.
Frequently asked questions about VMC 7161 BN
Which soft plastics benefit from the deep bend?
It is particularly useful for deeper-bodied soft plastics. Once the lure is rigged, the point must remain exposed and the bend must leave room for the soft body to compress during a take.
How do I choose the right hook size?
Consider the length and depth of the lure’s body, the desired point exit position and the mould’s specifications. Leave the flexible rear section of the lure free to move.
Does a heavier jig head require a larger hook?
Not automatically. If the mould accepts the same hook size in cavities of different weights, you can adjust the weight while keeping the hook that fits your chosen lure.
Will VMC 7161 BN fit every jig head mould?
The mould must be designed for this hook model and the selected size. Before casting, check that the hook sits correctly and that the mould closes fully.
When should I choose TI instead of BN?
For regular fishing in salt water. In a mould that supports both models, the tin-plated VMC 6198 TI can be used as the saltwater equivalent in the same hook size.
→ Explore more hook models, finishes and sizes in the parent category Jig hooks.